SINGAPORE - There will be more joint research projects, exhibitions and loan exchanges between the National Heritage Board (NHB) and the British Museum, after they signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Tuesday.

The memorandum, a first between the two institutions, spans five years from now till September 2019. It maps out a framework for cooperation and greater exchanges.

There will be curatorial and staff exchanges, attachments, study visits, lectures, training programmes, workshops and seminars as well as the exchange of information relating to museum collections and practice.

The memorandum was signed in London by Mrs Rosa Daniel, chief executive of NHB, and Mr Neil MacGregor, director of the British Museum.

Mr Lawrence Wong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth who witnessed the signing, said it marked an important milestone for Singapore's museum and heritage scene. "It signifies the mutual commitment of both institutions towards increasing mutual appreciation of our past and heritage in an increasingly interconnected world," he said.

He added that the National Museum of Singapore is looking to host a special exhibition in 2015 that will feature the British Museum's treasures of various world cultures.

"This will coincide nicely with Singapore's Jubilee celebrations in 2015," he said.